Christmas Reflection 2021

 

Nunc autem quid ? 2019

Proxima! 2021

It appears I begin with an apology, there were no cards or communications sent in 2020! That is a genuine apology which is underpinned by the inevitabilities of choices, over which we had control and others factors outweighing our choices.

It was bloody Covid wasn’t it! I ended my 2019 Epistle with news of us anticipating a Cruise on the Queen Victoria - albeit a short cruise and we returned flying back into the clutches of Covid.

None of us knew what was to unfold. Never, it seemed in my lifetime at least, were we unable not to predict our immediate state of affairs. For us the outset was positive. I furtively, acquired a number of growbags, in preparation for an inevitable lockdown. The results ; well for us it was a Garden of Eden. We had all manner of things growing, edible and simply glorious plants and flowers. And the backdrop was the silence meal after meal sat outdoors. No traffic noise, everything it seemed was confined - except that which Nature had put in our midst. More amazingly, we actually managed to get away for some breaks too!

Later in 2020 – October 31^st we left Blighty for yet another couple of weeks, to seek refuge and enjoy the tranquillity and the isolation of our beloved cottage in Brittany. And we never came back! Well we did obviously - nearly six months later.

The world, was never to be the same again. Whilst we kept ourselves safe, Covid ran through my family and unbelievably my brother David did not survive the full force of it. The fallout of an untimely death is always devastating and that much harder to cope with. I might add here, that my admiration for my mother, is beyond measure in coping with something that is not anticipated in nature.

France, in fact wasn’t as safe a place as I make out. For in the time we were there (nearly 6 months) I lost nearly a stone & a half – not surprising in what we achieved. We hit out a doorway – just 28 inches of granite! Some of the rocks which we removed we both couldn’t even carry between us.

We momentously walked into 2021 through our new doorway on NY’s day. We won’t be forgetting that. And there was so much else we did in that time. Needless to say the Cottages (-now one!) are not the same.

It is seemingly unbelievable too that we have managed to get away this year. Travelling to both France and Italy! In fact, we drove down to Italy ‘in our bubble’. Trying like everyone to isolate ourselves as much as we could. Nonetheless. Recently, we finally had the last finishing touches made to the Villa and my ‘project’ in France nears completion too. A newly installed Wood-burner awaits to provide a warm reception; when we return next.

Mark has consistently – like so many managed to work from home. Like so many people too we have found ourselves together 24/7 and survived! But, it has also meant that he has actually had little ‘holidays’. South Africa was cancelled last Christmas – as was looking inevitable. And at the point of writing there is an inevitability unfolding which is looking likely to blow our immediate plans out of the water. (I guess, I might best reflect upon this next year DV!)

Everything it seems is so uncertain. None of us can seemingly lay down firm plans. That said, I already do have a framework in the planning to see us through 2022, with hopes of flitting between France and Italy – made all the harder by 90/180 days in Schengen. George V’s dying words were ‘Bugger Bognor’ & mine might for ever may be Bugger Brexit.

Our plans too hinge around our Sovereigns longevity – 70^th. We all have an extra day in which to celebrate (look at the Calendar quick!) We hope to be in Italy.

On a more positive note; it is incredible – for me at least. The Queen has always been there. An abiding presence, whether it be of stability, continuity and or accountability. Sadly, none of these qualities are matched by her Government. (I just thought I would get that in!)

And of course, I write now because, it is the season of Goodwill to all ‘men’. And isn’t part of that quote : ‘Peace on Earth’. It is this Peace, that I hope we can all begin to find, firstly, within ourselves, then our families, our communities and let’s vainly hope planetary.

So, let me leave you with some words of how I feel from two great philosophers namely Charlie Brown and Winnie the Pooh. Said Charlie Brown, “Goodbye always makes my throat hurt”, while the bear, supposedly of little brain, said “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”.

We are indeed fortunate and privileged. Bless you one and all.

Chris & Mark